19: Chapter 19 is worth considering.

The private room was so quiet you could hear the faint hum of the air conditioner vents.

Su Ran's narrow, beautiful eyes widened slightly, but her mind was racing at lightning speed.

She came from an ordinary background, even less fortunate than most, with parents who were honest, hardworking people who toiled in the fields.

Having lived a hard life since she was young, she craved breaking through that invisible class barrier more than anyone.

That was why, after graduating, she didn't hesitate to choose a career selling luxury cars.

In this industry, she could get in touch with the tiny elite percentage of wealthy people in Shenzhen.

She never thought wanting to marry a rich man was something shameful; people strive to go higher, and water flows to the lower level—it was a biological instinct.

But she also had her bottom line.

She couldn't stomach those bosses with beer bellies, bald spots, and ages that could make them her father.

She was looking for a high-quality man who wasn't too old and wasn't too ugly.

But reality was harsh; such men were top-tier predators in the dating market, never lacking women around them, and they cared even more about social standing.

So, even in her twenties, she remained single and hadn't even had a serious relationship.

She treated her virginity as her most precious bargaining chip, clutching it tightly, waiting for the buyer who could help her completely turn her life around.

Coming here today, the moment she saw Zhang Qi, she did indeed feel a pang of jealousy.

How could this naive girl encounter such a top-tier man?

But jealousy aside, she still considered Qian Mengsheng a friend. She had originally intended to come and vet him, and offer her blessings along the way.

But what was the situation now?

Qian Mengsheng was blushing and frantically denying everything. Not only had she failed to land the man, but she was also panicking and trying to push herself away as a shield.

And the man sitting opposite her radiated an air of "I'm filthy rich" from head to toe.

Under thirty, with sharp, handsome features and wearing an outfit worth hundreds of thousands, he fit every single one of her criteria for a partner.

This was practically a gold nugget dropped from heaven, landing right on her head.

Since her best friend didn't cherish him, why should she be polite?

After a brief moment of shock, Su Ran suddenly smiled.

Her smile was bright and generous, and the way her eyes moved held the unique charm of a sophisticated woman.

"Sure."

Su Ran didn't act coy at all; her voice was crisp and melodious, carrying a sense of easygoing frankness.

"I've heard Mengmeng mention Brother Qi before, saying that Brother Qi takes great care of people at the company and is very capable in business."

"I've always been quite curious about Brother Qi."

"Since Mengmeng highly recommends it, why don't we try getting to know each other?"

She said this extremely naturally, without a hint of pretense; instead, it was as if she were discussing a mutually beneficial deal.

She didn't feel at all like she was stealing her best friend's man.

After all, it was Qian Mengsheng who said she wanted to introduce him, which meant this silly girl hadn't figured things out yet, or simply lacked the guts.

With an opportunity right in front of her, Su Ran had always been one to reach out and grab it.

Qian Mengsheng, sitting beside her, was struck by these words as if by lightning.

She had been twisting her fingers under the table, and now her hands froze.

Her small face instantly fell, and her originally moist, large eyes were filled with disbelief.

She never expected her best friend to be so direct.

This was the man she had met first.

Although they hadn't defined the relationship, and although it was her own loose mouth that said she wanted to introduce him.

But shouldn't a normal person just laugh it off at a time like this?

Why did she have to jump at the chance?

Qian Mengsheng only felt as if a large stone were blocking her chest; she felt so miserable she wanted to cry.

But she couldn't cry.

She had said the words herself; if she backed out now, it would not only make her look hypocritical but would also make the atmosphere extremely awkward.

She could only lower her head like a wronged young wife, biting her lower lip tightly.

Zhang Qi leaned back on the leather sofa, taking in the reactions of both women.

He turned his head to look at Su Ran sitting opposite him.

This woman was wearing a dark green silk shirt, the neckline slightly open, revealing delicate collarbones and a glimpse of deep, snowy white skin.

Her features were bright, and her eyes were clear and full of ambition.

Compared to Qian Mengsheng's naive, inexperienced girl act, who panicked at every turn.

Su Ran's mature, direct personality, which didn't hide her desires, actually suited Zhang Qi's taste quite well.

Everyone getting what they needed and being honest with each other—this was the most efficient way to communicate.

"Alright."

The corners of Zhang Qi's mouth curled into an appreciative smile.

He didn't waste any words, directly pulling his phone from his pocket and opening the WeChat QR code interface.

"Since Mengmeng is playing matchmaker, let's add each other on WeChat."

"We can get to know each other slowly."

Su Ran's eyes lit up slightly when she saw the QR code Zhang Qi handed over.

Without the slightest bit of shyness, she naturally picked up her phone and scanned it.

A notification sound rang out.

Friend request accepted.

Su Ran's profile picture was a side profile of her in a racing suit, leaning against a Porsche steering wheel—both cool and wild.

"Added."

Su Ran shook her phone, a touch of familiarity appearing in her eyes as she looked at Zhang Qi.

"Brother Qi, please take care of me from now on."

The atmosphere in the private room for the rest of the meal became very subtle.

It was originally Qian Mengsheng's home turf, but in the end, she was like an outsider the whole time.

She chewed on the high-end cuisine in front of her as if it were tasteless wax, but her ears were pricked up high, listening to the conversation between the two across from her.

Occasionally, she would look up at Zhang Qi and Su Ran, who were chatting happily, her eyes full of resentment and regret.

She shouldn't have brought Su Ran along.

Su Ran, on the other hand, completely displayed the top-tier social skills of a luxury car salesperson.

She was excellent at chatting.

From recent financial policies to the housing price trends in Shenzhen, to the history of various luxury brands.

She could pick up the conversation perfectly at every turn.

She didn't pander intentionally, nor did she seem sycophantic; she grasped the sense of proportion with extreme precision.

No matter what topic Zhang Qi brought up, she would never let a single sentence fall flat.

Chatting with her was a very smooth and comfortable experience.

Before they knew it, the topic naturally shifted to cars.

"I sell cars at the Porsche Center over in Nanshan."

Su Ran elegantly cut a piece of Wagyu tartare, put it in her mouth, and chewed it carefully.

After swallowing, she picked up her napkin, gently dabbed the corners of her mouth, and looked at Zhang Qi.

"What kind of car does Brother Qi usually drive when you go out?"

Zhang Qi felt a slight stir in his heart upon hearing this question.

He currently had 600,000 in liquid savings in his account, and he could steadily earn money through the system every day from now on.

He had bought clothes and a watch; he really was missing a vehicle.

Being a man, who didn't have a dream of owning a luxury car?

In the past, when he was a simp, to save money for Sun Qianwen to buy bags, he couldn't even bear to call a Didi, squeezing onto the deadly Line 3 every day.

Now that he had the means, it was time to arrange a decent ride for himself.

"I haven't bought a car yet; I took a taxi here today."

Zhang Qi spoke the truth, his tone plain, not feeling the least bit ashamed.

Su Ran's narrow, beautiful eyes remained calm; she wasn't surprised.

After all, Qian Mengsheng had told her about Zhang Qi's situation, and she knew that Zhang Qi had only recently struck it rich.

Getting rich too fast, it was perfectly normal not to have bought a car yet.

"That's so inconvenient."

Su Ran rested her chin on her hands and leaned forward slightly, the view at her neckline becoming even deeper.

"How hard is it to hail a taxi during the morning and evening rush hours in Shenzhen?"

"If Brother Qi wants to buy a car one day, you can come directly to me."

"I won't make any other promises, but you can pick any car from our showroom, and I will absolutely secure the top-tier treatment for you in terms of price and after-sales service."

"Sounds good."

Zhang Qi nodded with a smile; this was already in his plans.

"When I have time in a couple of days, I'll drop by your store."

"I'll have to trouble you to receive me personally then."

Buying a car was a major expense.

With tens or hundreds of thousands thrown into it, the system's double rebate would definitely bring a huge surge.

"It's a deal."

Su Ran picked up the lemonade in front of her and gently clinked her glass against Zhang Qi's across the table.

The crisp sound of glass colliding echoed in the private room.

Qian Mengsheng, sitting on the side, watched this scene, the sourness in her heart practically overflowing.

She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles for this entire meal.

When it finally came time to pay the bill, Qian Mengsheng almost scrambled to the front desk to settle it.

1,800 yuan.

If this were any other time, she would definitely feel the pinch for half a month.

But now, her mind was entirely focused on how to quickly end this disastrous meal and pull her best friend away from Zhang Qi.

Walking out of the creative park restaurant, the night breeze was cool, blowing away some of the stuffiness from the restaurant.

"Brother Qi, where do you live? Should we drop you off first?"

Su Ran stood on the roadside, the hem of her trench coat slightly lifted by the night breeze, outlining her graceful figure.

"No need, I live over in Futian; it's not on your way."

Zhang Qi waved his hand, declining her suggestion.

"Alright then, goodbye, Brother Qi."

Su Ran waved her hand gracefully, her smile bright.

Qian Mengsheng gloomily squeezed out a "Goodbye, Brother Qi."

Afterward, she pulled Su Ran and dove into a just-arrived ride-hailing car as if fleeing.

Watching the taillights of the car disappear into the night, Zhang Qi stood on the roadside, feeling that the air was much fresher.

He took out his phone and glanced at the new profile picture of the racing suit in his WeChat list.

The corners of his mouth curled into a meaningful arc.

The matter of buying a car could indeed be put on the agenda.

He reached out and hailed a green taxi.

"Driver, go to Jingyuan Residential Complex."

Zhang Qi opened the door and sat in the back seat.

The taxi sped along the flat asphalt roads of Shenzhen, and the colorful neon lights outside the window flashed past the cabin.

Zhang Qi leaned back against the seat, his thoughts drifting away.

Jingyuan Residential Complex was just an old, dilapidated place with some years on it.

A two-bedroom, one-living room layout, simple renovation, and poor soundproofing.

He had only rented it there in the past to save money and because of Sun Qianwen's demands.

Now that he had a large amount of liquid savings in his hands, and would have a steady stream of income in the future.

Continuing to live in such a broken place was clearly no longer appropriate.

However, he still had to return to that old, broken place tonight.

It wasn't that he was nostalgic.

It was because in that dilapidated rental apartment, there was still someone waiting for him.

To be precise, it was a top-tier stunner whom he had just developed and who was now addicted to his touch.